Should You Rent or Buy?
The rent vs. buy decision is one of the most significant financial choices you'll make. This calculator compares the true total cost of each option over your expected holding period, factoring in mortgage payments, down payment opportunity cost, property taxes, maintenance, and the growth of home equity versus the flexibility value of renting.
The result depends heavily on how long you plan to stay. Buying typically wins over longer horizons (7+ years) because you build equity and the upfront costs are amortized. Renting often wins short-term because buying involves closing costs of 2–5% and selling involves realtor fees of ~5%. Run this calculator with different time horizons to find your crossover point.